Thrifty Thursday: 5 Thrifty Items for Spring Cleaning

March 3, 2011

 

Thrifty Thursday

First of all, I have to admit.  I don’t really do much spring cleaning.  I clean a lot in the summer when I am off school and a lot during Christmas break.  No matter when you clean, these five items should be able to help you out.

  1.  Baking Soda:  There are thousands of uses.  Usually we associate baking soda with removing odors, but it can be used in cleaning too.  Simply sprinkle over a hard surface and wipe clean with a wet rag. 
  2. Old Towels: Cut apart and sew the edges to make dust rags and cleaning rags.  This is a great way to get more use out of your old towels and cut down on the use of paper towels.
  3. Vinegar:  Make a half water, half vinegar solution to replace just about any multipurpose cleaner you use around the house.  This works great on windows, counters, sinks, etc! In addition, it doesn’t contain the harsh chemicals in other cleaners.
  4. Dish Soap: This is one that I can usually get for free.  :)  It is great for the dishes, but also makes a great degreaser.  I am forever getting grease on my clothes from mystery places.  Dish soap to the rescue.  It will also work great on hard to clean areas on the stove top!
  5. Newspapers: Ok, here is one for all you couponers out there.  Newspapers are something we generally recycle, but they are great for cleaning windows and mirros.  Simply spray the window with your cleaning and wipe clean with a sheet of newspaper.  (My mama taught me this one!)

What are you favorite thrifty cleaning tools?

Do you have a Thrifty idea? Did you save a ton of money this week?  Do you have a Thrifty deal you want to share?

If so, please leave a comment or link up below!

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{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }

Christine @ Our Homeschool Reviews March 3, 2011 at 7:48 am

Thanks for the thrifty ideas. I added your list to my Thrifty Thursday post. :)

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tiffani taff March 3, 2011 at 9:41 am

Great tips!

I have never used Vinegar. I have been told to try it before, but I think I am nervous…. but I will just have to get my big girl pants on and try it! haha!

Thanks!

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Shelly @ Coupon Teacher March 4, 2011 at 3:37 pm

I have only tried it a time or two. I need to go a little more green. It is on my list of things to start this summer.

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Heather March 3, 2011 at 10:53 am

Here’s another one for you.

Disinfectant – 1/4 cup vodka, 1 cup water, a few drops of lavender or tea tree oil. Smells amazing (if you use the lavender), non-toxic, and kills germs.

Also, If you add a few drops of lemon oil to the vinegar solution the lemon scent knocks out the vinegar smell.

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Shelly @ Coupon Teacher March 4, 2011 at 3:39 pm

Thanks Heather!

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Dana @ The Coupon Challenge March 3, 2011 at 1:06 pm

I didn’t know about using newspapers for windows. Great tip!

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Shelly @ Coupon Teacher March 4, 2011 at 3:39 pm

I like to reuse when I can, and that is an easy way!

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Janet March 4, 2011 at 12:33 pm

I use 1-4 regularly but never have been one to use newspapers for cleaning. I don’t like the way they feel.

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Shelly @ Coupon Teacher March 4, 2011 at 3:40 pm

They do feel different Janet. Absolutely understandable.

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Rachel March 4, 2011 at 1:22 pm

Great tips!

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Beth Anne April 7, 2012 at 4:19 am

Wow I NEVER would have thought about using the newspapers to clean stuff! I think I always thought the print would end up on the surface or that it’s “dirty” (kind of like the silly putty trick). I will have to try that! I need to get better at the vinegar trick too but cleaners are always BOGO and super cheap!

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Coupon Teacher April 7, 2012 at 7:43 am

They work great on windows or mirrors! Thanks for stopping by!

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